Mangalore: A Deepavali feast was arranged by AIMIT of St. Aloysius’ College at its Campus in Kotekar Mangalore on Nov.7 at 7 pm with Kollya Ramananda Swamiji as Chief Guest. Former MLA of Ullal, Jayarama Shetty, presided over the joyous function attended by Fr. Stany D’Souza, Vice-Principal of the College and Abdul Khader Kukkila (Editor, Sanmarga) as guests of honour.

The Swamiji on arrival was warmly greeted by Fr. Denzil Lobo who welcomed the guests, and prominent persons of Beeri, Kotekar and Someshwar in the gathering. Ramananda Swami led an inter-faith service, commencing with a song of devotion “Satchidananda Te Namo Namo!” Readings from Bhagavad –Gita, Bible and Quran followed. Fr Lobo in his opening remarks, dwelt on the significance of lighting lamps in  darkness, and suggested the need of our becoming the messengers of truth and faithful wisdom, to dispel darkness of ignorance and false sensors. He quoted from Upanishads the invocation to light and eternal life.
Swamiji in his speech after felicitation, dwelt on the need to understand various religions to live in harmony. He stressed on the unity of all religions to practice abidance in godhead. He wanted people following different religions in this country to build a strong nation.
Abdul Khader Kukkila touched upon Diwali’s inner significance, and told how Islam reached out to common people disregarding castes and poverty.
Fr. Stany D’souza quoted Basavanna to stress upon humaneness everywhere for humanity of souls. All artificial barriers had to be broken down, when humanity faced extinction in mutual warfare. He also explained Deepavali as a common concern of joy. Jayarama Shetty told anecdotes of 5 days’ Diwali celebrations. The AIMIT gates and steps were colourfully lit with lamps for the night.